Jewish London

London’s Jewish community is thought to number around 200,000 and embraces many cultures. The community falls mainly into the following groups: those of whom descend from Spain and Portugal, known as Sephardi, the Mizrachi from the Middle East, and those from eastern Europe, known as Ashkenazi.

Jewish communities in London are thriving, with Barnet boasting the largest Jewish population. Most of the community belong to the more traditional Orthodox synagogues, but there has also been a growth in the strictly orthodox community as well as the more progressive 'Reform' and 'Liberal' synagogues since the 1960s.

Stamford Hill, in Hackney, North London, has long established itself as the home of the strictly orthodox Jewish community, while today, the liveliest part of Jewish London is probably Golders Green; its cafes, restaurants and bars have become a magnet for many young people.

Jews in London can be found in all areas of the capital’s life and make a strong contribution to the city’s social, economic and cultural life, boasting many writers, journalists, artists and academics as well as leaders in the areas of business and finance.